OBJECTIVE: Pneumomediastinum is a rare complication of anorexia nervosa. Although the mechanism is unknown, severe malnutrition may affect lung mechanics by altering the connective tissue, predisposing to pneumomediastinum. METHOD: We describe a young male with anorexia nervosa and panic disorder who presented with symptoms similar to those of a panic attack and was diagnosed with spontaneous pneumomediastinum. RESULTS: This case illustrates the importance of considering pneumomediastinum in the differential diagnosis of panic attack in patients with eating disorders. DISCUSSION: Although spontaneous pneumomediastinum has a generally benign course, it must be differentiated from the potentially life-threatening secondary pneumomediastinum due to an esophageal tear. Copyright 2002 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
OBJECTIVE: Pneumomediastinum is a rare complication of anorexia nervosa. Although the mechanism is unknown, severe malnutrition may affect lung mechanics by altering the connective tissue, predisposing to pneumomediastinum. METHOD: We describe a young male with anorexia nervosa and panic disorder who presented with symptoms similar to those of a panic attack and was diagnosed with spontaneous pneumomediastinum. RESULTS: This case illustrates the importance of considering pneumomediastinum in the differential diagnosis of panic attack in patients with eating disorders. DISCUSSION: Although spontaneous pneumomediastinum has a generally benign course, it must be differentiated from the potentially life-threatening secondary pneumomediastinum due to an esophageal tear. Copyright 2002 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Authors: Ina van Veelen; Paul H G Hogeman; Annemarie van Elburg; Fenny W Nielsen-Abbring; Ben G F Heggelman; Hans F Mahieu Journal: Eur J Pediatr Date: 2007-02-28 Impact factor: 3.183